Review by crystalizex6x - Gone with the Wind

crystalizex6x 's review for:

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

4.75

challenging emotional informative reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is my second time reading Gone with the Wind. The first time, I was young and naive, and I don't think I fully grasped what I was reading. This time, I found the blatant racism difficult to ignore, as enslaved people are portrayed as loyal, simple, and content with their lives in bondage. The novel completely overlooks the brutality of slavery, instead presenting the Southern way of life as a tragic loss rather than something that was rightfully dismantled.
Despite this, the book is well-crafted in terms of storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. Margaret Mitchell creates a compelling narrative with vivid descriptions, complex characters, and a rich historical backdrop. Her writing is accessible yet detailed, and she skillfully captures the chaos of war and personal struggle. Set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, the novel focuses on Scarlett O'Hara, a headstrong and multifaceted heroine driven by resilience, vanity, and ambition. Her unrelenting love for Ashley Wilkes and her complex relationship with the cynical Rhett Butler form the emotional core of the story.

Content Warnings